Irregularities of the coat is one of the most obvious symptoms that your horse has Cushing’s, and occurs in 85% of all cases.

Before having your horse tested, keep them as calm as possible, and keep your normal routine. Stress can alter the results of tests. One useful diagnostic test is the CBC (complete blood count). Your vet will draw a few vials of blood from your horse and measure the blood sugar levels, since horses with Cushing’s disease often have elevated blood sugar levels. Another blood analysis test is the dexamethasone suppression test (DST). In this test, the vet will inject dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory agent that mimics cortisol. The next day, your vet will examine your horse’s cortisol levels with another blood test. An elevated level of cortisol indicates that your horse has Cushing’s. Your vet might also perform a urinalysis test. In this test, your horse’s urine is examined for exceptionally high levels of glucose (a sugar) and ketones (molecules produced when the body turns fat into energy). Your vet can diagnose Cushing’s by looking at your horse’s physical confirmation. This will save money on testing. They’ll be able to tell if it’s Cushing’s or Insulin Resistance. IR can be reversed with exercise and cutting back on food.

Keep an eye out for changes in your horse’s weight and the way your horse eats in order to get a diagnosis before your horse gets worse.

Most horses drink about 20 to 30 liters (5 to 8 US gal) of water each day. Horses with Cushing’s might drink up to 80 liters (21. 1 US gal) each day. Instead of letting your horse drink out of a trough, hang buckets of water in their stall. Keep track of how often you have to refill the buckets each day so that you can accurately measure how much they drink.

Cyproheptadine, pergolide, and other medications that reduce the amount of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), two biological compounds that affect that the operation of the endocrine system. Trilostane and other medications that suppress cortisol synthesis in the adrenal glands might also be useful. Some medications – bromocriptine mesylate, for instance – can reduce both cortisol levels and ACTH levels. Your vet will determine which medication would be best for your horse. Let your vet know if one medication isn’t working for your horse so they can recommend a new dosage or prescribe an alternative medication. The medications will probably be orally administered, but they might be injectable. Always use medications as directed. Stopping the medication suddenly can cause problems for your horse.

These supplements are best obtained online but may be available at pet stores or stores that specialize in horse health. After obtaining these supplements, use as directed. Directions for use vary based on your horse’s age and weight. Talk to your doctor about administering additional nutritional supplements to your horse.

Even some pasture grasses can have high NSC levels. [14] X Research source Avoid or restrict pasture feeding, especially during spring and fall when NSC content in pasture grass tends to be highest. You can also use a grazing muzzle while they are in the field. These will help limit how much grass they eat.

If your horse has laminitis, consult a farrier and a veterinarian to ensure it gets special hoof care. Special hoof care includes Corrective Hoof Trimming and Realigning Trimming. These trimmings will reverse laminitis. Your Cushingoid horse might have trouble regulating its body temperature. Provide blankets in the winter and clip its excess hair in the summer.